Dave Smith

Dave Smith (1940-2019) was the pioneering founder of the Walt Disney Archives and served as Disney's Chief Archivist for over 40 years. His work in establishing and maintaining Disney's corporate archives helped preserve crucial pieces of entertainment history and set standards for media company archival practices. Smith authored several definitive works on Disney history, including Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia, which became an essential reference for Disney historians and fans. He also wrote extensively about Disney history in columns for Disney publications and answered thousands of questions about Disney history through his "Ask Dave" column. The son of librarians, Smith held degrees in history and library science from UC Berkeley and worked at prestigious institutions including the Library of Congress before joining Disney in 1970. His expertise in archival science combined with his deep knowledge of Disney history made him uniquely qualified to establish and lead the company's first formal archives. Smith was named a Disney Legend in 2007, recognizing his contributions to preserving and documenting the company's history. His methodical approach to archiving and cataloging helped establish the Walt Disney Archives as one of the most comprehensive corporate archives in the world.

Readers consistently praise Smith's attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of Disney history. His "Disney A to Z" encyclopedia receives particular recognition for its thoroughness and reliability as a reference work. What readers liked: - Clear, factual writing style without sensationalism - Detailed answers in "Ask Dave" columns showing deep research - Accurate historical documentation and fact-checking - Accessibility of complex information for casual fans What readers disliked: - Some found his writing dry and academic - Later editions contained occasional factual errors - Limited personal commentary or behind-the-scenes insights - High prices for updated encyclopedia editions Ratings across platforms: Amazon: Disney A to Z averages 4.7/5 stars (500+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.4/5 stars average across all works (300+ ratings) Reader quote: "Smith's encyclopedic knowledge comes through on every page. His straightforward presentation lets the facts speak for themselves." - Amazon reviewer "The definitive source for Disney information, even if the writing isn't exciting." - Goodreads review

Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia - A comprehensive reference guide containing over 7,000 entries covering Disney films, TV shows, theme parks, people, and characters from the company's founding to present day.

Disney: The First 100 Years - A chronological exploration of Disney company history from its origins through its first century, featuring archival photographs and historical documentation.

Disney Facts Revealed - A collection of answers to frequently asked questions about Disney history, characters, and productions, compiled from Smith's "Ask Dave" column.

Disney Trivia from the Vault - A compilation of historical facts and behind-the-scenes information about Disney productions, parks, and personalities organized by theme.

The Ultimate Disney Trivia Book - A reference work containing detailed questions and answers about various aspects of Disney history and entertainment properties.

The Quotable Walt Disney - A collection of verified quotes from Walt Disney, organized by topic and sourced from various documented occasions throughout his career.

Leonard Maltin Film historian who wrote extensively about Disney and animation history through reference books and guides. His work combines deep research and archival documentation similar to Smith's approach.

Bob Thomas Wrote several authorized biographies of Walt Disney and documented the company's history through direct access to records and personnel. His focus on factual documentation and use of primary sources mirrors Smith's methodology.

John Canemaker Animation historian who documents animation history through detailed research and archival materials. His books contain thorough documentation of animation processes and history comparable to Smith's encyclopedic works.

Jim Korkis Disney historian who writes detailed accounts of Disney history based on archival research and interviews. His work focuses on uncovering and preserving historical details in the same vein as Smith's archival efforts.

Katherine Kramer Corporate archivist who documented Warner Bros studio history through systematic collection and preservation methods. Her work establishing studio archives followed similar principles to Smith's pioneering efforts at Disney.